Linear Compressor Steel Coupling Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In linear compressors, the coupling between the loop pipe and the discharge cover or discharge part is not firm, leading to movement and refrigerant leakage due to pressure differences, which affects the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure is implemented using a connection member made of steel, which is inserted into both the loop pipe and the cover pipe, and the discharge pipe, with a stopper and pipe cover to prevent separation and leakage, ensuring a secure connection and reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the loop pipe is coupled to the discharge cover or discharge part, then the refrigerant can be discharged through the loop pipe, but the coupling is not firm causing movement and leakage due to pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into multiple functional components: a coupling body with external threading, a separate seal member (O-ring) fitted into the coupling body, and a loop pipe with internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the coupling body provides structural support, the seal member prevents leakage, and the loop pipe conducts refrigerant - while working together to resolve the contradiction between firm coupling and leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body acts as an intermediary component between the loop pipe and the discharge cover/discharge part. It provides a standardized threading interface that firmly connects these components while the integrated seal member ensures refrigerant-tight sealing. This intermediary structure eliminates the movement and leakage issues that occur with direct coupling
2Reliability
If a firm coupling structure is implemented to prevent movement and leakage, then coupling stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is merged with the coupling body by fitting the O-ring seal into the coupling body's seal groove, creating an integrated sealing-coupling component. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining firm coupling and preventing refrigerant leakage, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for firm coupling, creates a sealing interface to prevent leakage, and offers threading interfaces for connection to both the loop pipe and discharge cover/discharge part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor is provided that may include a shell; a compressor body accommodated in the shell to compress a refrigerant; a discharge cover assembly through which the refrigerant compressed in the compressor body may be discharged; a cover pipe that extends from the discharge cover assembly to discharge the refrigerant discharged into the discharge cover assembly to an outside of the discharge cover assembly; a discharge pipe coupled to the shell to discharge the refrigerant flowing along the cover pipe to an outside of the shell; a loop pipe having a first end connected to the cover pipe and a second end connected to the discharge pipe; and a coupling member that respectively couples both the first and second ends of the loop pipe to the cover pipe and the discharge pipe. The coupling member may include a connection member, a first portion of which is inserted into the loop pipe and a second portion of which is inserted into the discharge pipe or the cover pipe. The connection member may be formed of a steel material. At least one of the discharge pipe or the cover pipe may be formed of a steel material.